REA Biogas Newshttp://www.biofertiliser.org.uk
en-gbWed, 19 Dec 2018 07:03:03 GMTNews from www.biofertiliser.org.ukREA BiogasZWS Biogas and Composting sectors surveyhttp://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/zws-biogas-and-composting-sectors-survey
Zero Waste Scotland is about to carry out a survey of the biogas and composting sectors in Scotland, which will result in sector reports for each being published in 2019. To deliver this work, Zero Waste Scotland have commissioned Stonehaven-based Enscape Consulting (http://www.enscape.eu) and partner organisations Solidsense Ltd and Cambridge Eco Ltd. A member of the team will be contacting and speaking to organisations and farms in due course to carry out surveys, to collect data and better understand issues and opportunities...]]>
Zero Waste Scotland is about to carry out a survey of the biogas and composting sectors in Scotland, which will result in sector reports for each being published in 2019. To deliver this work, Zero Waste Scotland have commissioned Stonehaven-based Enscape Consulting (http://www.enscape.eu) and partner organisations Solidsense Ltd and Cambridge Eco Ltd. A member of the team will be contacting and speaking to organisations and farms in due course to carry out surveys, to collect data and better understand issues and opportunities. This work is vital to allow Zero Waste Scotland and the Scottish Government to understand how policy and support will impact, and can be focussed across the different sectors, to assist in growing Scotland's nascent bio-economy.

If you are an organisation involved in composting or biogas production we hope that you will be able to take some time to participate in this important project for the sectors. If you have any questions, or would like more information, contact Brian Menzies at Enscape (brianmenzies@enscape.eu) or Alison McKinnie at Zero Waste Scotland (alison.mckinnie@zerowastescotland.org.uk).

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/zws-biogas-and-composting-sectors-surveyTue, 30 Oct 2018 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasREAL BCS appoints a Technical Advisorhttp://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/real-bcs-appoints-a-technical-advisor
REAL is pleased to announce that it has appointed Dr Thomas Aspray to act as Technical Advisor to the Biofertiliser and Compost Certification Schemes. Thomas brings many years’ experience to this role, most recently at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh...]]>
REAL is pleased to announce that it has appointed Dr Thomas Aspray to act as Technical Advisor to the Biofertiliser and Compost Certification Schemes. Thomas brings many years’ experience to this role, most recently at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. The specific tasks he will be carrying out for the two schemes include:

carrying out independent audits of the laboratories appointed to the schemes,

reviewing various aspects of the laboratories’ performance,

overviewing the relevant scheme documentation

analysing data gathered across both schemes

representing REAL at industry workshops and conferences.

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/real-bcs-appoints-a-technical-advisorMon, 29 Oct 2018 12:00:00 GMTREA Biogas80 AD plants in the UK now producing biofertiliser - a quality product!http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/80-ad-plants-in-the-uk-now-producing-biofertiliser-a-quality-product
On Monday 24th September, Grissan Portside Ltd became the 80th anaerobic digestion (AD) operator to achieve certification of the digestate (biofertiliser) produced at its plant in Banffshire, Scotland. Conforming to PAS 110 and the ADQP through the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme (BCS), the digestate achieved ‘product' status.
Based on data used to populate NNFCC's Official Biogas Map, approximately half of the total number of waste-fed AD plants in the UK are certified under the BCS...]]>
On Monday 24th September, Grissan Portside Ltd became the 80th anaerobic digestion (AD) operator to achieve certification of the digestate (biofertiliser) produced at its plant in Banffshire, Scotland. Conforming to PAS 110 and the ADQP through the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme (BCS), the digestate achieved ‘product' status.

Based on data used to populate NNFCC's Official Biogas Map, approximately half of the total number of waste-fed AD plants in the UK are certified under the BCS. The 80 AD plants certified under the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme are collectively processing over 4 million tonnes of biowastes and/or biodegradables materials on an annual basis, contributing greatly to the national food waste recycling rate.

The digestate produced by the recycling or recovery of these materials through quality controlled AD processes is consistently safe and of good quality for use as a renewable fertiliser. Certification assures the product's quality as a soil improver, a valuable source of nutrients and a replacement for expensive mineral fertilisers.

Congratulations to Grissan Portside and the 79 other plants producing good quality digestate!

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/80-ad-plants-in-the-uk-now-producing-biofertiliser-a-quality-productMon, 01 Oct 2018 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasBCS Operators' Forum meeting in Octoberhttp://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/bcs-operators-forum-meeting-in-october
The next meeting of the BCS Operators' Forum will be taking place near Derby on Wednesday 31st October!
The meeting is scheduled to start at 12.00 and finish around 15.00 with lunch provided. The address for the event is Severn Trent Green Power Ltd (Derby), Megaloughton Lane, Spondon, Derby, DE21 7BR. If you are a member of the Scheme and would like to attend, please send an email to georgia@realschemes.org.uk. Please also don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the Operators' Forum...]]>
The next meeting of the BCS Operators' Forum will be taking place near Derby on Wednesday 31st October!

The meeting is scheduled to start at 12.00 and finish around 15.00 with lunch provided. The address for the event is Severn Trent Green Power Ltd (Derby), Megaloughton Lane, Spondon, Derby, DE21 7BR. If you are a member of the Scheme and would like to attend, please send an email to georgia@realschemes.org.uk. Please also don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the Operators' Forum.

If you're unable to attend but you would still like your views heard, you can also contact the BCS Operators' Representative Jo Chapman (Jo@acshropshire.co.uk) who can take your views forward.

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/bcs-operators-forum-meeting-in-octoberFri, 14 Sep 2018 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasBiofertiliser Certification Scheme summer '18 newsletterhttp://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/biofertiliser-certification-scheme-summer-18-newsletter
We issued our biannual newsletter for the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme this week. In this newsletter, we shared industry-related news, scheme developments, and updates on the Research Hub...]]>
We issued our biannual newsletter for the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme this week. In this newsletter, we shared industry-related news, scheme developments, and updates on the Research Hub.
]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/biofertiliser-certification-scheme-summer-18-newsletterTue, 31 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasTendering for the development of a PT schemehttp://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/tendering-for-the-development-of-a-pt-scheme
REAL is drafting a tender invitation document for the development of a Proficiency Testing (PT) Scheme covering analytical parameters from PAS 110 and PAS 100.
This forms part of our ongoing efforts to make the Biofertiliser and Compost Certification Schemes more robust. We will be looking forward to receiving tender submissions from organisations with the necessary knowledge and experience around analytical testing of digestate and compost. The details of the proposed work will be confirmed in the tender invitation document...]]>
REAL is drafting a tender invitation document for the development of a Proficiency Testing (PT) Scheme covering analytical parameters from PAS 110 and PAS 100.

This forms part of our ongoing efforts to make the Biofertiliser and Compost Certification Schemes more robust. We will be looking forward to receiving tender submissions from organisations with the necessary knowledge and experience around analytical testing of digestate and compost. The details of the proposed work will be confirmed in the tender invitation document.

To keep informed about tender invitations and new developments, please keep an eye on the news items on our website and subscribe to our Twitter and LinkedIn accounts.

If you are interested in being directly informed about new project proposals, please contact us on info@realschemes.org.uk and your contact details will be added to our R&D library.

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/tendering-for-the-development-of-a-pt-schemeThu, 26 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasProduct vs waste cost comparison (England) 2018http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/product-vs-waste-cost-comparison-england-2018
After the Environment Agency published its new charging scheme effective from 1st April 2018, REAL carried out another cost comparison exercise to compare the average annual costs for renewal of certification and deployment of waste digestates in England.
On average, an operator processing between 25,001 and 50,000 tonnes per annum would incur an annual cost of approximately £5,000 for independent certification against the end of waste criteria to renew their certification. The spreading of waste digestate under waste regulations in England would cost approximately £30,000...]]>
After the Environment Agency published its new charging scheme effective from 1st April 2018, REAL carried out another cost comparison exercise to compare the average annual costs for renewal of certification and deployment of waste digestates in England.

On average, an operator processing between 25,001 and 50,000 tonnes per annum would incur an annual cost of approximately £5,000 for independent certification against the end of waste criteria to renew their certification. The spreading of waste digestate under waste regulations in England would cost approximately £30,000.

You can find the cost comparison document on our website here with the information used for the analysis provided in this document. This analysis was verified by an external consultant.

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/product-vs-waste-cost-comparison-england-2018Mon, 09 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasCert Schemes Annual Report 2017http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/cert-schemes-annual-report-2017
Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL) has published its first annual report for the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme providing an overview of the scheme in 2017.
In summary, there was a total of 70 certified AD plants in the UK in December 2017. Approximately, 2,782,000 tonnes of organic waste was being processed by certified sites on an annual basis. The majority of plants were producing certified whole digestate only (64%) and a number of sites were producing more than one type of certified digestate output (19%)...]]>
Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL) has published its first annual report for the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme providing an overview of the scheme in 2017.

In summary, there was a total of 70 certified AD plants in the UK in December 2017. Approximately, 2,782,000 tonnes of organic waste was being processed by certified sites on an annual basis. The majority of plants were producing certified whole digestate only (64%) and a number of sites were producing more than one type of certified digestate output (19%).

This report also presents an overview of the Compost Certification Scheme in 2017 and updates on the Green Gas Certification Scheme and Compostable Packaging Certification Scheme, also owned and administered by REAL. You can read the full Certification Schemes' Annual Report 2017 below.

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/cert-schemes-annual-report-2017Wed, 27 Jun 2018 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasBCS Operators' Forum meeting in Junehttp://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/bcs-operators-forum-meeting-in-june
The next meeting of the BCS Operators' Forum will be taking place near Peterborough on Wednesday 13th June!
The meeting is scheduled to start at 12.00 and finish around 15.00 with lunch provided. The address for the event is Local Generation, Wisbech Road, Westry, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0BA. If you are a member of the Scheme and would like to attend, please send an email to georgia@realschemes.org.uk. Please also don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the Operators' Forum...]]>
The next meeting of the BCS Operators' Forum will be taking place near Peterborough on Wednesday 13th June!

The meeting is scheduled to start at 12.00 and finish around 15.00 with lunch provided. The address for the event is Local Generation, Wisbech Road, Westry, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0BA. If you are a member of the Scheme and would like to attend, please send an email to georgia@realschemes.org.uk. Please also don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the Operators' Forum.

If you're unable to attend but you would still like your views heard, you can also contact the BCS Operators' Representative Jo Chapman (Jo@acshropshire.co.uk) who can take your views forward.

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/bcs-operators-forum-meeting-in-juneMon, 30 Apr 2018 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasREA soils event in Junehttp://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/rea-soils-event-in-june
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) is running an event titled 'Saving our Soils: Understanding & Improving Soil Health' on Wednesday 20th June in conjunction with the AD Network and British Society of Soil Science. The REAL Biofertiliser Certification Scheme supports this REA event.
This event will examine the claims made in recent press reports that UK soils have reached an emergency situation, and that soil erosion and compaction have been worsened by poor land management practices...]]>
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) is running an event titled 'Saving our Soils: Understanding & Improving Soil Health' on Wednesday 20th June in conjunction with the AD Network and British Society of Soil Science. The REAL Biofertiliser Certification Scheme supports this REA event.

This event will examine the claims made in recent press reports that UK soils have reached an emergency situation, and that soil erosion and compaction have been worsened by poor land management practices. They will be examined closely with a view to understanding the current situation and exploring how soil health can be improved through best-practice use of existing biomass resources such as digestate, compost and bio-char.

This event has been approved by BASIS and will provide BASIS CPD points. For more information and to book a place at this event, please visit this page here.

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/rea-soils-event-in-juneFri, 27 Apr 2018 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasREA training course on HACCP for ADhttp://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/rea-training-course-on-haccp-for-ad
Please note that this event is registered for BASIS CPD points
REA is running a one day course focused on HACCP planning for AD operators and developers, with focus on digestate safety and quality.
HACCP planning is essential to ensure plant design and operation enables the production of digestate products that are safe and fit for purpose.
In addition, HACCP planning is a fundamental requirement of BSI PAS 110 Specification for digested materials...]]>Please note that this event is registered for BASIS CPD points

REA is running a one day course focused on HACCP planning for AD operators and developers, with focus on digestate safety and quality.

HACCP planning is essential to ensure plant design and operation enables the production of digestate products that are safe and fit for purpose.

In addition, HACCP planning is a fundamental requirement of BSI PAS 110 Specification for digested materials. PAS 110 says that ‘each person, whose duties affect the digestate quality shall be trained, instructed and supervised commensurate with those duties, such that he/she is competent. Training shall include the subjects of quality management systems and HACCP, at least for the competent person(s) with overall responsibility for the QMS, who also leads or participates into the HACCP team.

The course will help delegates to understand how to design and implement a HACCP plan that focuses on the production of safe and fit for purpose digestate. It will be delivered by HACCP expert and RSPH approved trainer Victoria Phillips.

The course is targeted at:

AD operators that are working toward achieving certification to PAS 110 under the BCS;

AD operators that are already certified to PAS 110 under the BCS;

Companies that are designing/building AD plants with the aim of achieving PAS 110 certification at some stage in the future;

Certification body officers and inspectors;

EA officers that wish to understand in detail aspects of HACCP;

Consultants that provide technical advice to AD operators and developers.

REA Member £250 + VAT
REA Non Member £300 + VAT

At the end of the training session delegates will be given the option to undertake an assessment (30 minute examination consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions) and, subject to passing the assessment, they will be awarded with a Foundation Certificate in HACCP - Level 2.

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/rea-training-course-on-haccp-for-adThu, 05 Apr 2018 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasBCS cost benefit analysis 2017-2018http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/bcs-cost-benefit-analysis-2017-2018
We have recently published a document on our website presenting an indication of the costs associated with certification of digestates to renew product status and average costs of deployment of waste digestates under waste management regulations. This cost-benefit analysis document can be found here.
We sourced the information for our waste calculations from several industry consultants/specialists, the environmental regulators' websites, and an independent consultant verified the waste calculations externally...]]>
We have recently published a document on our website presenting an indication of the costs associated with certification of digestates to renew product status and average costs of deployment of waste digestates under waste management regulations. This cost-benefit analysis document can be found here.

We sourced the information for our waste calculations from several industry consultants/specialists, the environmental regulators' websites, and an independent consultant verified the waste calculations externally. The Organics Recycling Group (ORG) of the Renewable Energy Association (REA) supported this initiative and we received good feedback from the members of our Technical Advisory Committee.

We will review this document in response to the consultation outcome of the Environment Agency's Strategic Review of Charges.

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/bcs-cost-benefit-analysis-2017-2018Mon, 19 Mar 2018 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasNew Research HUB launched today will support R&D in the organics recycling sectorhttp://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/new-research-hub-launched-today-will-support-rd-in-the-organics-recycling-sector
New Research HUB launched today will support R&D in the organics recycling sector
Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL) is setting up a Research HUB to fund or support R&D work in the organics recycling sector
Hub will support growth in the composting and anaerobic digestion sectors
Evidence from research projects will support changes to the Compost Certification Scheme and Biofertiliser Certification Scheme documents
The HUB will be managed by REAL and overseen by an independent Research Panel
Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL), a wholly-owned sub...]]>New Research HUB launched today will support R&D in the organics recycling sector

Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL) is setting up a Research HUB to fund or support R&D work in the organics recycling sector

Hub will support growth in the composting and anaerobic digestion sectors

Evidence from research projects will support changes to the Compost Certification Scheme and Biofertiliser Certification Scheme documents

The HUB will be managed by REAL and overseen by an independent Research Panel

Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Renewable Energy Association (REA), is setting up a Research HUB this year to support R&D work in the organics recycling industry. The HUB will fund or support compost and digestate-related R&D projects that are considered important to the development of the schemes administered by REAL.

This development will seek to fill a “void” in the organics recycling industry which is currently lacking support for new R&D projects. The HUB will seek to ensure the schemes’ documents remain up-to-date with the technical and legislative developments in the industry. Scientific evidence is needed to support certain changes to the schemes’ documents and these research projects will be funded to provide the necessary evidence.

The Research HUB is being launched today and the first meeting of the Panel is likely to take place in autumn this year. Ensuring quality of waste and soil is becoming increasingly urgent, particularly as improving soil quality and ending the use of peat in horticulture by 2030 moves up the political agenda.

Justyna Staff, Head of the Certification Schemes, REAL said:

“REAL are keen to continue promoting the use of waste derived compost and digestate. Among other actions, this is achieved through continuous stakeholder engagement and providing means for independent certification against end of waste criteria and quality assurance standards.

The Research HUB will allow us to undertake vital analysis and technical projects to inform any future improvements as we ensure that the schemes are robust and fit for purpose. REAL welcome the support from other stakeholders and we think that this initiative will greatly benefit everyone involved in the organics recycling industry.”

Jeremy Jacobs, Technical Director, REA Organics Recycling Group said:

“The Organics Recycling Group welcomes the initiative from REAL for a Research Hub to fund the evidence gathering required to underpin any future changes to the PAS100 and PAS110 Standards.

It has been clear from the current PAS100 revision, that if changes are to be made that will be acceptable to all parties, then it is paramount that there is a sufficient weight of evidence to support change. PAS100 and PAS110 are evolving documents that need to be relevant to today’s market and the Research Hub will assist in achieving this ambition.”

William McManus, Sector Specialist, WRAP said:

“Evidence led solutions are key to driving change. Not only did good science support creation of the end of waste criteria for compost and digestate, but it allowed stakeholders in the food supply chain to open up new markets too. The creation of the Research HUB shows the level of professionalism and pride that compost and AD operators have for their industry.”

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/new-research-hub-launched-today-will-support-rd-in-the-organics-recycling-sectorThu, 15 Mar 2018 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasREA training course on PAS 110http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/rea-training-course-on-pas-110
Please note that this event is registered for BASIS CPD points
Calling all Anaerobic Digestion operators.......
Organics Recycling Group is running a training course focused on the requirements of PAS 110, the AD Quality Protocol and the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme (BCS) Rules requirements.
The course is targeted at the AD operator’s personnel who are involved in the implementation, establishment, maintenance and improvement of the quality management system...]]>Please note that this event is registered for BASIS CPD points

Calling all Anaerobic Digestion operators.......

Organics Recycling Group is running a training course focused on the requirements of PAS 110, the AD Quality Protocol and the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme (BCS) Rules requirements.

The course is targeted at the AD operator’s personnel who are involved in the implementation, establishment, maintenance and improvement of the quality management system. In addition, the course is also open to consultants who are assisting or interested in assisting operators to become certified under the BCS Scheme.

Timings: 10am – 3.30pm.

Course contents include:

• Intro, drivers, end of waste, importance of fit for purpose, intro to AD Quality Protocol.
• The principles of PAS 110

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/rea-training-course-on-pas-110Wed, 07 Mar 2018 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasBiofertiliser Certification Scheme Newsletterhttp://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/biofertiliser-certification-scheme-newsletter
We issued our first newsletter for the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme this week. In this newsletter, we shared industry-related news, events, Scheme developments, and our plans for 2018...]]>
We issued our first newsletter for the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme this week. In this newsletter, we shared industry-related news, events, Scheme developments, and our plans for 2018.
]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/biofertiliser-certification-scheme-newsletterThu, 21 Dec 2017 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasBiofertiliser Certification Scheme reports record membership at the end of its tenth yearhttp://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/biofertiliser-certification-scheme-reports-record-membership-at-the-end-of-its-tenth-year
Biofertiliser Certification Scheme reports record membership at the end of its tenth year
The Biofertiliser Certification Scheme is available to assure the safety and quality of digestate and assist operators in raising their profile within the environment sector
The Scheme was set up in 2007 and is celebrating its tenth anniversary
The Scheme is announcing a record 67 AD plants registered as of December
AD operators can begin the New Year with a competitive edge by signing up to the scheme, which covers the process straight through from input to digestate quality
...]]>Biofertiliser Certification Scheme reports record membership at the end of its tenth year

The Biofertiliser Certification Scheme is available to assure the safety and quality of digestate and assist operators in raising their profile within the environment sector

The Scheme was set up in 2007 and is celebrating its tenth anniversary

The Scheme is announcing a record 67 AD plants registered as of December

AD operators can begin the New Year with a competitive edge by signing up to the scheme, which covers the process straight through from input to digestate quality

This Christmas, anaerobic digestion (AD) plant operators can give themselves the gift of a competitive edge in the New Year by signing up to the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme (BCS). This well-established scheme, now reporting a record 67 participants as of December, can reduce costs for operators and covers the process straight through from input all the way through to digestate quality. The Scheme was set up in 2007 and is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

BCS certified digestate is widely recognised as high quality and safe by environmental regulators. It thus offers an opportunity for AD operators looking for a reliable market for the digestate they produce. The BCS is reporting a significant growth in membership, having grown from 3 plants in 2011, which was its fifth year of operation.

The BCS assures the quality of anaerobic digestion processes and anaerobic digestate. It is an independent certification scheme based on the BSI PAS110:2014 quality standard for all types of AD operations.

It is essential that farmers, land managers, farm assurance schemes, retailers, and consumers can be certain that anaerobic digestate spread to land is consistently safe and of good quality. The BCS quality assurance standards provide all stakeholders with these essential guarantees by certifying that the production process is appropriate and well-managed, based on a robust quality management system, that it is sourced only from permitted feedstocks, and that it has been produced in a hygienic manner.

“This year AD operators can give themselves the gift of a competitive edge for the New Year by signing up to this scheme that covers the process from production to end-of-waste. This holiday season we’re celebrating the Scheme’s tenth anniversary, and in that decade the AD market has changed completely.

It has been a privilege to see the growth of a successful AD industry assisted by a successful quality assurance scheme that provides reliable routes to market fordigestate.

Throughout the life of theBCS we have ensured that the scheme is robust by working closely with UKAS, certification bodies and laboratories. We look forward to driving the development of the BCS further as this thriving industry continues to grow and evolve.”

David Collins, former Senior Biogas Advisor to the Renewable Energy Association (REA) said:

“When REAL set up the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme ten years ago, it was to give confidence to farmers and other users that food grown on soil, using quality digestate as a fertiliser, was safe for consumption and compliant with the stringent demands of their buyers. That hard won trust from an initially sceptical market was built gradually through rigorous third party inspection and a well-run scheme.

Cheaper compromises in certification have always been available but while trust takes years to build, breaches in quality have an immediate and disastrouseffect across the entire industry. I celebrate the first ten years of the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme and its central role in building the biogas industry and I look forward to its continued future success.”

Bryan Lewens, FACTS and WAMITAB Qualified Landspreading Advisor said:

“I managed the use of digestate on land for agricultural benefit for 12 years and was highly appreciative of the efforts that went into developing and then reviewing the PAS110/ADQP.

Managing digestate under "Waste regulations" was costly and complicated to administer. The ability to market digestate as a product that met a standard gave farmers added confidence to use digestate as a fertiliser.

The work done by WRAP in providing guidance on its use and the comprehensive risk assessments carried out on a wide range of hazards has also been a great help in allaying any concerns farmers may have had.”

Digestate is a nutrient-rich organic fertiliser that can be spread to land to confer agronomic benefit to soil and improve its physical quality, thus displacing the use of expensive and polluting chemical fertilisers.

Most AD plant operators use the biogas they produce to generate clean electricity. Although, some plant operators go further and clean up the biogas in order to inject it into the gas grid. They can track the flows of this biomethane through the grid by means of the Green Gas Certification Scheme (GGCS) which assigns guarantees of origin to each unit of biomethane injected and each unit taken out and sold to households, institutions or corporate customers.

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/biofertiliser-certification-scheme-reports-record-membership-at-the-end-of-its-tenth-yearWed, 06 Dec 2017 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasREAL is looking to hire a Technical Manager!http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/real-is-looking-to-hire-a-technical-manager
Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL) is currently looking to hire an individual to fill a new and exciting position as Technical Manager for the Compost and Biofertiliser Certification Schemes. This person will focus on managing issues and projects relating to compost and digestate analytical testing, liaising with the appointed laboratories and independent laboratory auditor.
Please find attached the job description below. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this role, who has relevant experience in this field, please provide them with this job description...]]>
Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL) is currently looking to hire an individual to fill a new and exciting position as Technical Manager for the Compost and Biofertiliser Certification Schemes. This person will focus on managing issues and projects relating to compost and digestate analytical testing, liaising with the appointed laboratories and independent laboratory auditor.

Please find attached the job description below. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this role, who has relevant experience in this field, please provide them with this job description. This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual passionate about the ethos behind a circular economy and the use of waste-derived products.

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/real-is-looking-to-hire-a-technical-managerWed, 25 Oct 2017 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasREAL appoints a third certification bodyhttp://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/real-appoints-a-third-certification-body
We would like to announce that we have appointed a third certification body to provide certification services under the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme (BCS). Aardvark Certification Ltd submitted a very strong tender response last year when we invited certification bodies to tender for this role. Since then we have been evaluating their proposal and working to address any queries raised during evaluation. We look forward to working with them over the coming years and we are confident that they will deliver highly efficient and professional certification services...]]>
We would like to announce that we have appointed a third certification body to provide certification services under the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme (BCS). Aardvark Certification Ltd submitted a very strong tender response last year when we invited certification bodies to tender for this role. Since then we have been evaluating their proposal and working to address any queries raised during evaluation. We look forward to working with them over the coming years and we are confident that they will deliver highly efficient and professional certification services.

You can find more information about Aardvark and contact details in the Certifying Bodies section of our website.

There are now three certification bodies appointed under BCS (Aardvark, NSF, and OF&G). We would recommend that applicants make an informed decision before choosing their certification body by contacting each one. Contact details are provided on our website: www.biofertiliser.org.uk/certification/certifying-bodies.

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/real-appoints-a-third-certification-bodyMon, 10 Jul 2017 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasTraining courses on HACCP and PAS110http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/training-courses-on-haccp-and-pas110
Calling all Anaerobic Digestion operators.......
REA is running a one day course focused on HACCP planning for AD operators and developers, with focus on digestate safety and quality.
HACCP planning is essential to ensure plant design and operation enables the production of digestate products that are safe and fit for purpose.
In addition, HACCP planning is a fundamental requirement of BSI PAS 110 Specification for digested materials...]]>
Calling all Anaerobic Digestion operators.......

REA is running a one day course focused on HACCP planning for AD operators and developers, with focus on digestate safety and quality.

HACCP planning is essential to ensure plant design and operation enables the production of digestate products that are safe and fit for purpose.

In addition, HACCP planning is a fundamental requirement of BSI PAS 110 Specification for digested materials. PAS 110 says that ‘each person, whose duties affect the digestate quality shall be trained, instructed and supervised commensurate with those duties, such that he/she is competent. Training shall include the subjects of quality management systems and HACCP, at least for the competent person(s) with overall responsibility for the QMS, who also leads or participates into the HACCP team’.

The course will help delegates to understand how to design and implement a HACCP plan that focuses on the production of safe and fit for purpose digestate. It will be delivered by HACCP expert and RSPH approved trainer Victoria Phillips.

The course is targeted at:

AD operators that are working toward achieving certification to PAS 110 under the BCS;
AD operators that are already certified to PAS 110 under the BCS;
Companies that are designing/building AD plants with the aim of achieving PAS 110 certification at some stage in the future;
Certification body officers and inspectors;
EA officers that wish to understand in detail aspects of HACCP;
Consultants that provide technical advice to AD operators and developers.

At the end of the training session delegates will be given the option to undertake an assessment (30 minute examination consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions) and, subject to passing the assessment, they will be awarded with a Foundation Certificate in HACCP - Level 2

Organics Recycling Group is also running a training course focused on the requirements of PAS 110, the AD Quality Protocol and the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme (BCS) Rules requirements.

The course is targeted at the AD operator’s personnel who are involved in the implementation, establishment, maintenance and improvement of the quality management system. In addition, the course is also open to consultants who are assisting or interested in assisting operators to become certified under the BCS Scheme.

Timings: Registration 09:30 - 15:30

The course contents will include:

Intro, drivers, end of waste, importance of fit for purpose, intro to AD Quality Protocol.
The principles of PAS 110
Baseline minimum and customer requirements
Quality management system
HACCP
Dealing with non-conforming batches
Hazard recognition and minimisation, setting critical control points and critical limits
Input materials and pasteurisation requirement
Record keeping
Sampling and lab analysis
What to do in the event of test failures
AD quality protocol
Storage, Labelling and dispatch
How the biofertiliser certification scheme works
BCS scheme rules

For any clarification on the technical content of the course, please contact Jenny Grant

]]>http://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/training-courses-on-haccp-and-pas110Fri, 07 Jul 2017 12:00:00 GMTREA BiogasBCS Operators' Forum meetinghttp://www.biofertiliser.org.uk/news/bcs-operators-forum-meeting
The next meeting of the BCS Operators' Forum will be taking place in Cambridge on Tuesday 20th June!
The meeting is scheduled to start at 12.00 and finish around 15.00 with lunch provided. The address for the venue is Trinity Centre, Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0FZ. If you are a member of the Scheme and would like to attend, please send an email to georgia@realschemes.org.uk. Please also don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the Operators' Forum...]]>
The next meeting of the BCS Operators' Forum will be taking place in Cambridge on Tuesday 20th June!

The meeting is scheduled to start at 12.00 and finish around 15.00 with lunch provided. The address for the venue is Trinity Centre, Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0FZ. If you are a member of the Scheme and would like to attend, please send an email to georgia@realschemes.org.uk. Please also don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the Operators' Forum.

If you're unable to attend but you would still like your views heard, you can also contact the BCS Operators' Representative Jo Chapman (Jo@acshropshire.co.uk) who can take your views forward.